Proper skincare is the key to healthy and beautiful skin. However, it's an oversimplification to solely attribute it to purchasing high-quality cosmetics. Of course, what we apply to our face, body, and hair significantly impacts our health and appearance. Hence, it's worthwhile to opt for natural products with carefully selected ingredients. But that's not all. Lifestyle hygiene is equally important, encompassing various daily habits and proper skincare practices. Sometimes, minor changes can work wonders, as the devil is in the details. Habits can organize up to 90% of our daily life. Behaviors that we perform automatically, without constant decision-making, save us time and energy, allowing us to focus on more important tasks. Yet, minor habits can work for or against us, either aiding success or hindering growth and potential.
#1 Never go to bed with makeup on
Skin regenerates best at night, and when we leave makeup and impurities on it from the entire day, we deprive it of that opportunity. In return, we might develop infections, clogged pores, breakouts, and deepened wrinkles. If fatigue hits you instantly and you can't control it, establish a habit of removing makeup as soon as you return home. Over time, you'll notice a significant difference in the condition of your skin. Clean skin is the foundation of healthy skincare. The best solution is double cleansing. Use gentle makeup removal products, then follow with cleansing products like foaming cleansers or gels. Finish by applying toner to restore the skin's proper pH and then your favorite cream or serum.
#2 Stay hydrated!
Dry skin is more sensitive and prone to irritations, loses firmness and elasticity, and accelerates the formation of wrinkles. To slow down the skin aging process, you must ensure proper hydration – both externally and internally. If you don't provide your body with an adequate amount of water, not even the best moisturizing cream can perform miracles. Drinking water helps eliminate toxins and harmful metabolic byproducts, which not only affects your appearance but also enhances your overall well-being. For the best results, it's beneficial to cultivate the habit of drinking water frequently but in small amounts. However, if you consistently forget to reach for a glass throughout the day, try using bottles with hourly markings, phone apps, or smartwatches – they might work well for you. For added flavor, you can also infuse water with mint leaves, a piece of ginger, or a slice of lemon or orange.
#3 Regularly change pillowcases
The pillowcase is often an underestimated factor in sleep hygiene that significantly affects the condition of your skin. For about 1/3 of the day (assuming you actually sleep for 8 hours!), your face rests on a pillow that accumulates sweat, sebum, dust, bacteria, and residue from facial and hair products. If you don't change your pillowcase regularly, all these impurities will have prolonged contact with your skin, increasing the risk of clogged pores, acne, and other skin issues. It's recommended to change your pillowcase at least once a week, preferably every 3-4 days. Opt for those made from natural materials like cotton or silk. Pillowcases made from synthetic materials like polyester can trap moisture on the skin's surface, potentially leading to dehydration and increased susceptibility to irritation. Changing your pillowcase is one of those simple things you can do to help your skin maintain a healthy appearance.
#4 Use paper towels instead of standard towels
The elevated humidity in bathrooms slows down the drying process of regular towels. Such an environment promotes the growth of bacteria. The least advisable option is to use a single towel to dry your entire body and face. Paper towels are definitely a better solution – they are sterile and designed for single use, meaning microorganisms don't have a chance to thrive on their surface. You also avoid transferring dust and contaminants from previous uses. To dry your face, gently press the towel onto the skin to absorb moisture. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which damages the skin's hydrolipid barrier and can lead to redness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or prone to acne breakouts.
#5 Avoid touching your face during the day
Numerous press articles suggest that computer keyboards, mice, and phones harbor three times more bacteria and germs than toilets. And how many times a day do you rest your chin in your hand, touch your cheeks, or brush hair off your forehead? The habit of unconsciously touching your face is challenging to overcome, but nothing is impossible. Perhaps it will convince you that for some, this is the main reason for breakouts and imperfections. Sometimes, all the changes are located exactly in those areas that come into contact with your bacteria-laden hands. Our hands are in constant contact with various dirty surfaces: doorknobs, money, switches. If your face consistently interacts with them throughout the day, it's a straightforward path to clogged pores, skin irritations, or even acne. Therefore, it's worth learning control and minimizing face-touching, which undoubtedly helps maintain its cleanliness and healthy appearance.
#6 Disinfect your phone
We stay within the realm of hygiene, which is the foundation of well-kept skin, and everything that comes into contact with it should be impeccably clean. Mobile phones are no exception. Fortunately, more and more people are using headphones during calls, but at work or in a hurry, it's not always possible, and we place the smartphone directly against our cheek. Disinfecting your phone can help reduce the amount of viruses, oils, and sebum that come into contact with the skin and contribute to the formation of imperfections. We recommend regularly cleaning your smartphone using antibacterial agents, as a cloth alone won't eliminate the root of the problem.
#7 Regularly clean your brushes and face makeup accessories
And we continue with hygiene... even more vigilant than a health inspector! But let's get to the point. Brushes and other accessories for contouring the face, applying foundation, or eyeshadows are typically used daily. Keeping them clean is essential for maintaining good skin condition and minimizing the risk of skin infections. Proper care of makeup tools also affects their effectiveness during application and prolongs their lifespan. Leftover cosmetic residues on brushes can clump together, necessitating heavier application. For both economic and skincare reasons, it's worth ensuring the hygiene of your makeup accessories.
#8 Get moving!
Regular physical activity undoubtedly has a positive impact on beauty. It enhances blood circulation, aiding in delivering more nutrients and oxygen to cells. The result is better skin hydration, improved elasticity, and reduced swelling. Exercise also helps eliminate toxins and pollutants from the body, while lowering stress levels and tension that usually reflect on our faces. Any form of physical activity for the body is invaluable. Of course, outdoor activities are the best. You don't need to immediately get a gym membership; a brisk walk does the trick too!
#9 Get enough sleep!
Under-slept skin ages faster: potent free radicals and toxins inhibit cell regeneration. The complexion becomes dull, dehydrated, poorly nourished, and inadequately circulated, often leading to under-eye circles. The effects of a single sleepless night are evident in the morning, let alone when we consistently deprive ourselves of the necessary sleep dose, needlessly adding years to our appearance. They say sleep is the best medicine, but it's also the most effective cosmetic that ensures a healthy, radiant, and youthful look for the skin. It's not just about the number of hours slept; sleep quality and hygiene are also crucial. Therefore, it's worth cultivating healthy habits:
- Limit stimulating stimuli and screen use (TV, computer, and mobile phone) an hour before bedtime.
- Go to bed and wake up at consistent times.
- Avoid heavy and rich meals before sleep, especially salty dishes that retain water in the body and cause puffiness.
- Ventilate the bedroom and unwind before sleep – meditate, read, diffuse calming essential oils, or light your favorite soy candle.
#10 Learn to rest and enjoy life
In today's fast-paced world, we live at a frenzied pace. Physical and mental fatigue manifests as irritability, lack of concentration, and feelings of overwhelm and pressure. Nothing diminishes beauty like stress and negative thoughts. We subject ourselves to an unsympathetic expression, wrinkles, and a few extra years. Rest allows us to "recharge our batteries," rid the body of tensions, and detach from daily duties. It also enables us to view problems from a completely different perspective – without unnecessary emotions and spiraling. A walk, a favorite book, a massage, or a home spa session will have a positive impact not only on your mood but also on your appearance.
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